Santorini Sights & Landmarks

The volcano of Santorini is the most famous sight on the island. It stands in the middle of the sunken caldera, right opposite the coastline of Santorini. It is located on the island of Nea Kameni and many tour boats go there from Fira. On the neighboring island of Palea Kameni lie hot springs said to have curative properties.
Not to miss: Best Boat Trip to the Volcano

The caldera is undoubtedly a natural wonder and one of the most bewitching sights in Santorini. The volcanic explosion that occurred on the island more than 3,500 years ago changed the topography of the Mediterranean coast forever.

The sunset of Santorini is probably the most famous in the world and cannot be missed. It is gorgeous from every part of the island, but the sunset in Oia is one of the best things to see during your holiday. Thousands of couples in love come to Santorini every year to see the sunset or get married with this lovely background.

The Castle of Oia comprises one of the most popular viewpoints on the island. It consists of exterior walls, houses, and a small church dedicated to Saint Nikolaos.

Around 20 minutes on foot west of Imerovigli lies Skaros, a strange rock featuring the remains of a Venetian Castle. The area offers beautiful views of the caldera.

Situated in the south part of Santorini, the Castle of Emporio and Goulas Tower are two worth-seeing sights in Santorini because of their great historical background and architecture. They were built in order to protect the locals from the pirates’ attacks, while the Tower used to serve as a storehouse for the cultivators’ crops in the past too.

Along with the breathtaking caldera in the background, the blue-domed churches constitute the most photographed scenery of the Cyclades, being depicted in thousands of cart postales. 

The Minoan Town of Akrotiri is one of the most important sights in Santorini and probably its most famous ancient site. It is located on the southern side of the island and the town was found almost intact, covered with layers of ashes. Scientists believe that this town was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in about 1,650 BC. After many years of being closed down, the site reopened to visitors in April 2012.

Ancient Thera is located on top of a cliff near Kamari. The road is a bit difficult and windy, but this is one of the must-see sights in Santorini. It is situated between Kamari and Perissa beaches and offers beautiful views over the Aegean sea.

TThe Archaeological Museum of Santorini is located on Fira, the capital village of the island. It hosts sculptures, ceramics, statues, small vases, and findings from the ancient cemetery of Thera. The exhibits may not be as impressive as the exhibits of the Prehistoric Museum but it is still worth a visit.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira and exhibits findings from the prehistoric times that have been excavated from Akrotiri, the Ancient Thera and other areas on Santorini. Exhibits include ceramics, marble statues, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, tools, and weaponry.

Thirassia is a small island just opposite Oia, frequently connected to Santorini by tour boats. This is a remote place with untouched nature and few inhabitants.

Santorini is home to approximately 70 traditional windmills. The one located in Oia constitutes a picture-perfect spot to enjoy the charming sunset.

Tomato-based products are the second most famous thing produced in Santorini after wine. The Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada allows you to find out more about the long and fascinating history of tomato production on the island.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias is located on the highest peak of Santorini 565m. It comprises an ideal destination for trekking and offers a gorgeous view of the island. The Monastery also hosts a small ecclesiastical museum.

The 3 dome church guarantees breathtaking views of the setting, including the quaint caldera, the Aegean sea, and the photogenic blue-domed churches of Oia.

The Catholic Cathedral is very close to the Orthodox Church. It is located in the Catholic quarter of Fira Santorini and distinguishes for its vibrant colors. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The bell tower was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1956 that hit the island.

Theoskepasti chapel is one of the lesser-known yet very enchanting churches in Santorini. Its location ensures panoramic views of the deep-blue waters of the Aegean.

The lighthouse of Akrotiri comprises one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. Its location on the southwestern side of the island gives an amazing view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The Three Bells of Fira church is a Catholic church dedicated to the Dormition. It dates back to the 18th century, although various modifications have occurred throughout the years.

Located on the hiking path to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, a few meters below Grace Hotel, Agios Ioannis Chapel is also known as Agios Ioannis o Katiforis (= going downhill) because of its location.

Agios Stylianos Church in Fira is located on the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful views of the village, the sea, and the volcano. Its unique design is what makes it a photogenic religious building.

On your way to Oia’s castle, the small church of Agios Nikolaos with its blue dome will draw your attention. It offers enchanting views of the Aegean and the sunset. 

Located on the highest spot of Akrotiri, this Castle is actually the center of the village. It was built in the Medieval times by the Venetians to protect the island from invasions.

Standing on the edge of the caldera in Fira, the whitewashed Church of Agios Minas (also known as Katofirianos) can be found in the southern part of the old town, overlooking the volcanic landscape & the sea.

Anastaseos church is one of the famous blue dome churches on the island. 

The actual Heart of Santorini is a cute hidden spot located in Megalochori. It is a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean and the volcano.

Bellonio Cultural Centre is housed in a beautiful building in Fira, the capital village of Santorini. It hosts a library with rare editions of the 18th and 19th centuries and frequently organizes cultural events.

Megaron Gyzi is where the Cultural Centre of Thera is housed. The exhibits include old maps, engravings, old photos of Santorini, and a library with rare editions. In summer, many cultural events are housed there.